Miniature rose plant named `Britide`

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct variety of miniature rose plant characterized by a profusion of off-white blooms. The unusually strong, fragrant exhibition form blooms are held on long stems on a strong plant.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a new and distinct variety of miniaturerose plant which has been given the international variety recognitiondesignation "Britide", and is to be marketed in this country under thesynonym "Tidewater".

2. Plants Related to the Invention

The plant of this invention was originated as a result of a plannedbreeding program which had as a seed parent "Jennifer" U.S. Plant Pat.No. 5,857) also of the miniature rose class. While the pollen parent of"Britide" is not known with certitude it was one of a number of selectedminiature varieties from which pollen had been taken for crossing with"Jennifer", in the hope of attaining a new plant having some of thebetter traits of the seed parent and any one of the pollen parent plantsinvolved in the program. Seeds resulting from such crosses were massed,and caused to germinate. Plants resulting were allowed to develop andthe progeny were observed in hope of attaining at least one valuableaddition to roses of this market class by expressing desired traitswhich had not been previously seen. The plant of this disclosure is aselection from the progeny of the stated cross(es), and has beenasexually reproduced by the taking and rooting of cuttings derived fromthe plant stems, as performed at Lawndale, N.C. Clones developed in thismanner through succeeding propagation are identical to the parent plantin all distinguishing characteristics and establish that "Britide" isstable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Among the new and novel characteristics which are possessed by thisplant, singly and in combination, which distinguish it from its parentsand all other plants of which I am aware are:

1. Blooms of near white are well formed and blemish resistant bloomsshow exceptional form and substance.

2. Abundant blooms borne singly, and in clusters of up to 5 blooms, onlong strong stems.

3. An unusually strong, spicy fragrance.

4. An abundance of semi-glossy, red-mahogany colored new foliage andmedium to dark green mature foliage which pleasingly contrasts with andhighlights the blooms of off white.

5. Higher than usual disease resistance to common rose diseases, with ahigher than usual level of vigor, and growing to a height which istypical of roses of this market class to produce a plant whichattractively appoints the home garden while providing cut flowers ofexhibition form and quality.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The single sheet of the accompanying drawing is a photograph which showstypical specimens of the flowers of the new variety in different stagesof development as well as the coloration thereof as accurately aspossible in color illustrations of this type.

BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

The following is a detailed botanical description of my new variety ofminiature rose. With color terminology in accordance with The RoyalHorticultural Society Colour Chart (R.H.S.C.C.), except where commondictionary terms of color definition are employed.

Type: Hardy, dwarf, bushy, slightly spreading, seedling, greenhouse,outdoors, cut flower, garden decoration, potted plant.

Commercial class: Miniature.

International recognition name: "Britide".

Commercial synonym: "Tidewater".

Flower

Observations were made from specimens grown outdoors at ClevelandCounty, N.C., U.S.A, In June 1991.

Type: Miniature

Blooming Habit: Continuous

Bud:

Size--Large, 2 1/2cm in length.

Form.--Urn shaped.

Color.--When sepals first divide -- near white, near to 155B. Whenpetals begin to unfurl -- near white, near to 155B. When half-blown --near white, near to 155B.

Sepals.--As long as bud, with several pointed appendages

Peduncle.--4 1/2cm.

Aspect.--Has fine red prickles.

Strength.--Erect.

Color.--Green, near to 146B.

Bloom:

Size.--2 1/2 inch diameter when fully expanded.

Borne.--Usually singly and in cluster of up to 5.

Form.--High centered at first, petals loosely rolled outward, becomingflat at maturity.

Petalage.--About 36.

Color.--During first two days: Inner petals at center of flower. Lightyellow, near to 8B. Outer petals: Near to 11D. Base of petals (Point ofattachment): Near to 11C. Reverse of petals: Near to 155B with a hint of36D. General tonality from a distance: off white, near white 155B.

Color change.--Blooms continue off-white, near to 155B. Generaltonality: Off-White, near to 155B. After three or more days: Continuedoff-white, near to 155B.

Petals:

Texture.--Thick appearance: Inside velvety, outside satiny.

Form.--Large, Round, high Centered.

Arrangement.--Regularly.

Petaloids in center.--Medium (8 to 10).

Persistence.--Drop off cleanly.

Fragrance.--Strong, fruity.

Lasting quality.--Long lasting on the plant, 3 to 5 days and and as acut flower 2 to 3 days.

Reproductive Organs

Stamens, filaments and anthers:

Arrangement.--Regularly arranged around styles.

Color.--Near to 35B.

Pollen: Color: Yellow, near to 17B.

Styles: Bunches, uneven length, thin.

Stigmas: Color: Near to 155B.

Hips:

Shape.--Globular.

Size.--11/2 to 2 cm.

Color.--Green with medium orange shades.

Seeds.--Do not protrude

Plant

Form: Slightly spreading.

Growth: Vigorous, uneven branching.

Height attained: 26 to 30 inches.

Foliage: compound of 5 to 7 leaflets.

Size.--Medium.

Quantity.--Abundant.

Color.--New Foliage: Upper side: Near to 183A. Under side: Near to 138D.Old Foliage: Upper side: Near to 147A. Under side: Near to 148B.

Shape.--Oval, pointed.

Texture.--Upper side: Smooth. Under side: Slightly veined.

Edge.--Serrated.

Serration.--Slight, even.

Leaf stem.--Color: Near to 138A upper side. Near to 138B under side.

Stipules.--Medium, 1 cm in length.

Disease resistance.--Blackspot, good; Mildew, good: Rust, good.

Wood:

New wood.--Smooth bark, near to 147B.

Old wood.--Smooth bark, near to 147B.

Thorns:

Quantity.--Few on main stalks and laterals.

Form.--Flat, oval base.

Length.--1/2cm medium.

Color when young.--near to 178B.

Position.--Irregular.

Prickles: Quantity: None.

Winter hardiness: Hardy with little or no die back.

I claim:
 1. A new and distinct variety of rose plant of the miniaturerose class, substantially as herein shown and described, characterizedparticularly by an abundance of fragrant blooms of off-white coloration;said blooms being of good substance; firm, thick, petals, borne singlyand in clusters, on a slightly spreading plant with semi-glossy,red-mahogany colored new foliage and dark green mature foliage; saidplant being easy to propagate from cuttings; and said blooms being longlasting both on the plant and as cut flowers.